Celyndor

Celyndor
	File:Celyndor Forest.jpg
Spirit	Kaelthorin
Significance	A vast • unbroken realm of deep woods and endless growth • where life thrives in the balance of nature.

Celyndor is a realm where forests stretch beyond the horizon, forming an unbroken wilderness of towering trees, tangled roots, and whispering leaves. It is a domain of balance and patience, where the trees themselves hold the wisdom of ages, and every leaf, vine, and creature is part of a vast, interconnected web of life. Unlike other lands, Celyndor is not ruled by kings or empires but by the steady, quiet force of nature itself.

History

The history of Celyndor is preserved within its trees, recorded in the growth rings of ancient groves and the whispered knowledge of its oldest inhabitants. According to legend, Kaelthorin, the Spirit of the Verdant Veil, wove this land from the remnants of a forgotten world, binding life itself into the fabric of its towering trees.

The first beings of Celyndor did not conquer the land but instead adapted to its rhythms. Over time, distinct peoples emerged, each reflecting a different aspect of the forest. The Dralvir became its guardians, the Thryssin its silent sentinels, the Velkyn its memory-keepers, and the Kæthari its wandering children. The land has never been fully mapped, and efforts to impose order upon it are often swallowed by the ever-expanding wilderness.

Geography

Celyndor is a realm of vast forests stretching from the northern pinewoods to the southern deciduous expanse. The landscape is shaped by massive trees, deep-rooted valleys, and concealed waterways, creating an environment that shifts subtly with the passage of time.

Northern Celyndor (The Evergreen Veil)

The northern reaches of Celyndor are dominated by towering pine forests, where mist lingers between the trees and the scent of resin fills the air. The canopy is thick, allowing little direct sunlight to reach the forest floor. Here, the Thryssin move unseen among the branches, and the Dralvir guard the pathways between the towering trees.

• The Boreal Twilight – A region where the sky glows faintly even at night, creating an eerie blue-green haze above the treetops.
• The Silent Glades – A stretch of the forest where no birds sing and even the wind seems muted, avoided by most who pass through.
• The Skyroot Cliffs – A mountain range where ancient trees cling to sheer rock faces, their roots forming natural bridges across deep chasms.

Southern Celyndor (The Verdant Labyrinth)

The southern forests of Celyndor are lush and vibrant, filled with broadleaf trees, winding rivers, and seasonal color shifts. Here, the Velkyn dwell in deep groves, and the Kæthari roam freely between the great oaks and willows.

• The Autumn Expanse – A vast woodland that turns brilliant shades of crimson, gold, and amber in the autumn months.
• The Lichen Halls – A network of underground tunnels formed from ancient roots, used as gathering places for sages and wanderers.
• Erethorin’s Rest – A forgotten ruin hidden deep within the forest, believed to contain the last words of Kaelthorin.

Climate

Celyndor’s climate is shaped by its dense forests and natural isolation. The northern reaches are cool and humid, while the south experiences a milder, temperate climate.

• A Realm of Perpetual Green – The trees of Celyndor never shed their leaves completely, ensuring that the forest remains dense throughout the year.
• Twilight Beneath the Canopy – The forest floor is often shrouded in dim light, illuminated only by bioluminescent fungi and occasional breaks in the trees.
• The Ever-Present Whisper – The rustling of leaves and the groaning of old branches create the impression that the forest itself is breathing.

Inhabitants

Celyndor is home to four distinct peoples, each tied to a different aspect of the forest.

The Dralvir

The Dralvir are large, solitary beings with antlered crowns and bark-like skin. They are the oldest protectors of Celyndor, watching over sacred paths and guiding travelers through the forest. Though slow to act, they are nearly impossible to stop once they are stirred to action. They are most commonly found where the pine forests of the north transition into the broadleaf woods of the south.

The Thryssin

The Thryssin are a semi-arboreal people adapted to life in the towering pines. They possess long, flexible limbs for climbing and keen senses that allow them to detect the faintest movements in the misty forest. Their settlements are built high among the trees, connected by woven bridges and branch tunnels. They are territorial and rarely welcome outsiders into their domain.

The Velkyn

The Velkyn are a plant-like people who exist in deep symbiosis with the forest. Their bodies are interwoven with vines, moss, and bark, and they do not walk so much as grow within their chosen glades. They serve as the keepers of the land’s memory, with their sap carrying knowledge passed down through generations. Some remain rooted in place, acting as living archives of forgotten history.

The Kaethari

The Kaethari are nomadic shapeshifters, existing between the mortal and wild aspects of Celyndor. Some appear mostly human with subtle bestial features, while others take fully animalistic forms. Their connection to the forest is fluid, allowing them to move freely between its many regions. They are both feared and revered, seen as omens of nature’s will.